Happy game day, Búhos Nation! Today’s matchup is against another new kid on the block: Charlotte Independence. The two clubs will meet tonight for a 6 o’clock kickoff (CST) inside Charlotte’s American Legion Memorial Stadium. It should be a great night of Union Omaha soccer, so if you aren’t in person, tune in to ESPN+ for coverage, or find your local watch party to enjoy the occasion with your friends.
Charlotte Independence joined USL League One during the offseason, after relegating themselves from the USL Championship. Their time in the new league has been met with mixed reviews. “The Jacks” – nicknamed after Captain James Jack, who carried the Declaration of Independence to Philadelphia – have started their 2022 season with nothing but home matches across all competitions. In those four matches, across all competitions, the team has one won one match, drawing once, and losing the other two, including their appearance in the Second Round of the US Open Cup. With each passing week, the club seemed to reverse their fortunes: a quality 3-3 draw against Central Valley Fuego FC was followed with a loss to NC Fusion U-23 in the Open Cup. In the next week, the Jacks defeated Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, only to lose to Richmond Kickers a week later. Without the stability that players, and fans, are looking for, this week’s match should be an interesting one to watch.
Union Omaha enters Week 5 of the season riding a tidal wave of optimism. The club is undefeated, preparing for the next round of the US Open Cup, and coming off the home opener which saw the Owls score three goals against Central Valley Fuego FC. Union Omaha hasn’t given up a goal in league play since the season opener at Forward Madison. Led by captain Conor Doyle, this team has transformed themselves greatly over the past two weeks and the confidence radiating off the players is infectious to fans. What seemed to be a season in which fans were preparing for a rebuilding year has turned into a year in which coach Jay Mims and co. could make a quality push in the league. New players like starters Joe Brito, Dion Acoff, Noe Meza, Hugo Kametani, and Alex Touche have contributed greatly to the club’s success. Veterans like Daltyn Knutson, JP Scearce, and Rashid Nuhu have continued their runs of excellence in front of fans. Union Omaha hopes to see that tidal wave carry them to another three points in Charlotte, North Carolina. A victory tonight would propel the Owls to the top of the league – a first for the club this season.
Charlotte seems to be a club that molds itself to their next opponent. The Jacks have yet to line up in the same formation as the previous match. The club also has quality players, like defender Shalom Dutey and forward Tresor Mbuyu. The men from Togo and Democratic Republic of Congo, respectively, have combined for five of the clubs eight goals, across all competitions. The club also acts as a committee for assists, with five players all earning an assist in league play this season. One thing to watch out for is late goals. The team has scored two goals in the 89th minute or later and both of those goals earned the club a result (a draw against Fuego and a win against Northern Colorado). This club may be erratic, but the fight to the end.
With kickoff scheduled for 6PM (CST) tonight, make sure you are firmly planted in front of a television to watch and cheer your Owls to victory. Whether you’re in the stadium, at a watch party, or at home, show your support for the Owls and make them feel loved. Who Gives A Hoot will continue to provide you with the best Union Omaha content, so keep checking your email for new articles (if you’ve subscribed), episode releases from the lovely crew on the podcast, and all of the happenings on the various social media accounts. Have a great day and, as always,…¡Viva Búhos!
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